The winners of Clare Business Excellence & Resilience Awards 2021 were revealed at a gala ceremony held at glór theatre, Ennis, on Thursday October 28th.
Hosted and organised by Ennis Chamber, Clare County Council was the main sponsor and MC on the night was author and comedian Colm O’ Regan, who brought a perfect blend of relaxed humour and professionalism to proceedings.
The big winners on the night were Western Herd Brewing/McHugh’s Bar, who won the ‘Resilience Award’ category sponsored by Cup Print and went on to scoop the overall award for ‘Best Business in Clare’ sponsored by Clare County Council.
The independent judges commented, “We were very impressed with the foresight and innovation of this company and their agility of response to adversity. Their generosity in terms of providing other businesses with opportunities to allow the whole business community to benefit was exemplary. This is an exceptionally innovative and proactive business, and they are tireless in their pursuit of further business opportunities.”
Accepting the award, Maeve Eustace Sheridan of Western Herd Brewing/McHugh’s said, “To be judged the overall ‘Best Business in Clare’ was beyond anything we could have hoped for. We are delighted. We thank family and staff for sticking with us and supporting us. And to all of our wonderful customers at Western Herd, Neighbourfood Ennis and McHugh’s Bar, we thank you for your support and we appreciate your loyalty.”
President of Ennis Chamber Darragh McAllister, welcomed back the awards after an enforced hiatus due to Covid. “It feels so good to be back in a venue like glór, to meet fellow businesspeople, to share some ‘war’ stories and more importantly to look to a brighter future.
The name of the awards was modified this year to incorporate the word ‘Resilience’ and although there was a dedicated Resilience category, the judges informed us that the theme of resilience permeated almost every category and entry, making the name change entirely appropriate.”
He thanked the main sponsors Clare County Council and the individual category sponsors for their support. “Without them we couldn’t have run this year’s awards and we certainly couldn’t have hosted a gala event of this calibre. The other essential ingredient were our entrants. We weren’t sure if the business community in Co Clare was ready for a return to awards, but they proved beyond doubt that they were. Our sincere thanks goes to all of the businesses that entered this year’s Clare Business Excellence Awards. It’s all about you.”
Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr. PJ Ryan, Mayor of Clare, commented, “Clare County Council was delighted to continue in its role as main sponsor of Clare Business Excellence & Resilience Awards this year.
Clare County Council supported many businesses across the county throughout the Covid period to date, and we were privileged to do so, and we see our involvement in these awards as further support. These awards are about shining a light on the best of our businesses in County Clare.”
Cllr. Ryan added, “Mt heartfelt congratulations go to all finalists, all category winners and especially to Western Herd Brewing/McHugh’s Bar, winners of the overall ‘Best Business in Clare award, sponsored by Clare County Council.
Clare Business Excellence & Resilience Awards 2021 – Winners
Overall Winner – Best Business in Clare – Sponsored by Clare County Council
Western Herd Brewing/McHugh’s Bar
Category Winners
Best Green and Sustainable Practices – Sponsored by Rengen Power
- Falls hotel
Best Micro Business – Sponsored by LEO Clare
- Palm Free Soap
Business Supporting Community – Sponsored by Essilor
- EI Electronics
Clare Professional Services Excellence Award – Sponsored by AIB
- Cahir Environmental Services
Best Tourism Experience – Sponsored by TUS (Technological University of the Shannon)
- Ollie’s Tours
Best Hospitality – Sponsored by Shannon Region Conference & Sports Bureau
- Shannon Springs Hotel
Best use of Digital Marketing and Social Media – Sponsored by Clare Echo
- Hotel Woodstock
Retailer of the Year – Sponsored by Ability IT Solutions
- Gleeson Goldsmith
Commitment to Training – Sponsored by Regional Skills Mid-West
- Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty
Customer Service Excellence – Sponsored by McKeogh Gallagher Ryan
- O’Connor’s Bakery, Ennis Shopping Centre
Resilience Award – Sponsored by Cup Print
- Western Herd Brewing /McHugh’s Bar
Best New Business – Sponsored by Ennis Chamber
- Wix & Wax Ireland
Best Age-friendly Business – Sponsored by Clare Age-friendly Programme
- County Boutique
Best Voluntary & Community Group – Sponsored by St Francis Credit Union
- Ennis Tidy Towns
